We’re probably all guilty of it at one time or another. You finish your meal and see those big, loving eyes staring up at you just hoping you’ll offer them a leftover morsel from your plate. So you walk over to the dog’s dish and scrape the table scraps into the bowl. Is this really bad for your dog? Like every other dog care recommendation, there so many differing opinions.
Using Common Sense
I remember when got my first small dog – over twenty years ago. She was a little Shih Tzu named Tasha. I immediately took her to the vet for a check up to make sure she was given a good bill of health. Then, just before leaving, I asked, “Is there anything different I should know about feeding this breed?” He looked at me with a little grin and said, “Nope, just follow good, common sense – if you there’s a piece of food that you won’t eat because it’s spoiled, full of gristle or bone or has too much salt, sugar or fat, then don’t feed it to your 18 pound dog. It’s that simple.”
Professional Opinions
What do breeders and trainers think? Consider the advice given by Shelby Marlo – an Animal Behavioral Specialist and Professional Dog Trainer. In her Feeding Your Dog – Can I Give My Dog Table Scraps web video, she explains that she believes natural and whole foods are best for your canine companions. That includes people food. She delivers a no-nonsense message about feeding – which includes a green light on sharing high quality table scraps like wholesome chicken, steak or hamburger and nutritious vegetables.
However, Marlo is quick to point out that sharing pizza with your pup is probably not a good idea. Also, she warns that we should be careful with cooked bones; the molecular structure of the bone is changed during the cooking process which allows them to splinter easily and become a safety hazard.
Dangerous Food Warnings
Even if you decide to share you the good foods from your plate, there are some specific items you’ll want to avoid giving your dog because they are considered dangerous or toxic to them. Read the Foods That Are Hazardous to Dogs article on the ASPCA website and you’ll learn that these foodstuffs shouldn’t be on your dog’s feeding list.
• Avocado
• Bread Dough
• Chocolate
• Ethanol (alcohol)
• Grapes or raisins
• Hops
• Macadamia nuts
• Onions
• Garlic
• Xylitol (non-caloric sweetener)
• Moldy foods
When it comes right to down it, my old vet gave some pretty good advice. Use common sense – if you wouldn’t eat it for your dinner or if it’s unhealthy for humans, don’t feed it to your dog. It’s that simple.
Enjoy more articles from Terry Mulligan:
Why People Bob a Dog’s Tail – Reasons for Docking
Save Money by Grooming Your Dog at Home
Simple Tips for a Better Trip to the Vet